Kathmandu, September 8 (HS): At least 14 people were killed and more than 500 injured during violent clashes in Nepal’s capital after police opened fire on protesters opposing the government’s recent social media ban.

Thousands of young men and women took to the streets under the banner of the “Gen Z Revolution”, storming the parliament complex in Kathmandu. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and eventually live ammunition after demonstrators attempted to breach barricades and set fire near Gate No. 2 of the parliament building.

Authorities imposed a curfew across the capital and suspended internet services shortly after protests escalated. Kathmandu’s administration has issued a “shoot-at-sight” order for those involved in vandalism.

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population, six people died at Trauma Center, three at Civil Service Hospital, one at KMC Hospital, one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and three at Everest Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to 14 while casualties continue to grow.

The unrest erupted following the government’s decision to ban 26 platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube, sparking widespread anger among the youth. Demonstrators raised slogans against Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government and vowed to continue the protests.

As the violence spread, incidents of police firing were also reported in Damak, leaving several injured. The Nepal Army was deployed late in the evening after security forces struggled to control the surge of protestors.

The government has convened an emergency security meeting to assess the situation, with curfew orders in place across Kathmandu until 10 p.m.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar